Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christel Renaud. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Christel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

South Florida’s real estate market has been exploding in 2024 and will continue to growth at a very fast pace in 2025.

A few reasons:

Luxury Market Growth
Areas like Miami, Palm Beach, and Brickell continues to see a boom in luxury real estate. Ultra-high-net-worth individuals are increasingly choosing to invest in exclusive waterfront properties, luxury condos, and private estates. The demand for luxurious residences has been fueled by factors such as favorable tax laws, a growing number of international buyers, and South Florida’s appeal as a lifestyle destination.

Migration and Population Growth
South Florida remains a prime destination for people relocating from high-tax states, especially New York, California, and Chicago. Many individuals are choosing South Florida for its lower cost of living, attractive tax environment, and warmer climate. This migration has significantly impacted the demand for both residential and commercial properties, with more families, professionals, and retirees flocking to the region.

Foreign Investment
Foreign buyers, particularly from Latin America and Europe, continue to be a strong force in the South Florida real estate market. With the city of Miami being a global financial hub, international investors are purchasing luxury homes and condos, especially in Brickell, Miami Beach, and Coconut Grove.

Short-Term Rentals and Airbnb
The popularity of short-term rentals continues to rise, especially in high-demand areas such as Miami Beach, Downtown, and Brickell. Many investors are buying properties specifically for short-term rental purposes, and the appeal of platforms like Airbnb is attracting more homeowners to enter this lucrative market. However, local governments are responding with new regulations to control this trend, which may affect future developments in the short-term rental sector.

Sustainability and Green Building
With increasing awareness around climate change and environmental sustainability, developers in South Florida are focusing on incorporating green building practices into their projects. From energy-efficient designs to sustainable materials and solar panels, eco-friendly homes are becoming a top priority for both developers and buyers. Waterfront properties are also being designed with considerations for rising sea levels and climate resilience.

Mixed-Use Developments
There has been a significant rise in mixed-use developments that combine residential, retail, and office spaces. These projects are becoming particularly popular in urban areas like Downtown Miami, Brickell, and Wynwood, where residents can enjoy convenience and accessibility. These developments aim to offer a self-contained community where people can live, work, and play in close proximity.

Tech and Remote Work Impact
The rise of remote work has led to greater demand for larger homes with dedicated office spaces. Tech professionals, in particular, are moving to South Florida in search of both lifestyle and professional opportunities. The influx of workers in industries like tech, finance, and entertainment is driving the demand for modern, flexible living spaces.

Condo Market Revival
After a period of stagnation, South Florida’s condo market is showing signs of recovery, especially in the luxury and mid-luxury segments. Investors are particularly focused on waterfront condos and high-rise buildings in Miami, as people continue to flock to urban environments. The demand for rentals in these buildings is also high, attracting both domestic and international investors.

Commercial Real Estate Shift
The commercial real estate market in South Florida is evolving with the rise of hybrid work models. While office demand has slowed in some areas, the demand for logistics and warehouse space has surged, driven by the growth of e-commerce. South Florida’s position as a trade and transportation hub continues to make it an attractive destination for industrial real estate investment.

And as result of all the above our last trend – Affordability Challenges
Despite the overall growth in South Florida’s real estate market, affordability is becoming a key issue, particularly for first-time buyers. As property prices rise, many potential buyers are facing challenges in securing affordable housing, especially in high-demand areas. The increasing cost of construction materials and labor is also impacting home prices, leading to a push for more affordable housing initiatives.

Christel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Originally from the South of France, I studied Hospitality Management in Paris. I moved to the US in 2004 after living (4) years in Cancun, Mexico. I spent much of my career in the luxury hotel sector in the luxury hotel sector with the Starwood brands of Sheraton, Westin, W, and SLS as well as the ultra-exclusive London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills. I organized high-profile events and conferences globally. An incredible experience was working as a translator at the G8 Summit in Mexico, which highlighted the significance of multilingual skills.

After 17 years in hospitality focusing on customer service and business development, I relocated to Miami. I joined my husband’s business, JVM Kitchen Designs, as a designer. This year, I finally accomplished a lifelong dream of mine and got my Real Estate license, leveraging my knowledge of trends, architecture, and interior design to assess luxury residences.

I am absolutely in love with Miami. It is definitely the place to be, especially with what is coming in the Real Estate world. The market is going to be taken by storm, and I will be there for it.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Starting a Real Estate business in Miami is not for the fainted heart. We are over 60,000 Realtors in FL and the vast majority are concentrated in South Florida. To say there is competition down here is an understatement. But 90% of new Realtors quit after their first year in business.

What most do not know when entering this industry is that it takes courage, patience, discipline, consistency and honest, hard work for a bare minimum of 6 months before seeing any kind of reward. In order to growth your clientele, you need to find that very first client. When you finally land them, you have to provide them with the very best white glove service, empower them with knowledge and do what is in their best interest, not yours.

Being genuine in Real Estate is crucial. So many bad apples out there. Referrals will naturally come if they are satisfied with the service you provided them with. No matter how big the business opportunity is (renting or purchasing), consistency and respect is key. Renters will eventually turn into buyers, and they will remember how you made them feel. I see so many Realtors not interested in renters and I believe it is a big mistake. I love my renters, and I go above and beyond to help them even after the deal is closed.

I worked with a renter who ended up signing a lease with a property handling their own rentals. That meant no compensation for me. But I was not upset and wished her well. She reached out to me recently about a big issue with her formal landlord and needed legal advice. I connected her with a trusted lawyer. The fact that she reached out to me makes me be very confident that when she is ready to buy, she will be calling me.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Social media has been very effective.

I use different platforms for different messages. I use Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. I post about properties that recently decreased in price, industry news, interior design trends, architecture, tips for getting approved for a mortgage, home security tips, memes, upcoming luxury developments, what not to do if you are going to buy or sell, etc. I talk about everything under the sun related to Real Estate. I offer a lot of useful content for free. I share my knowledge to the World and that brings me new clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: christelmiamiluxuryliving.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christel_mia_lux_living/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564010847570
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christelrenaud/

Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/framefocus_media/